In a shocking update this morning, it appears that Joss Whedon, best known for directing Avengers, Firefly and Buffy The Vampire Slayer is no longer writing and directing the upcoming Batgirl live-action film.
This marks the latest in a series of changes being made in the creative personnel at DC Films since Walter Hamada took over as President of DC Films after the critical failure of Justice League.
Whedon confirmed his departure from the Batgirl film with the following statement, issued exclusively to The Hollywood Reporter:
“Batgirl is such an exciting project, and Warners/DC such collaborative and supportive partners, that it took me months to realize I really didn’t have a story. I’m grateful to [DC president Geoff Johns and Warners Picture Group president Toby Emmerich] and everyone who was so welcoming when I arrived, and so understanding when I… uh, is there a sexier word for ‘failed’?”
No further details as to who will take over as writer and director of Batgirl has been released at this time.